The Catholic Church was overjoyed to welcome record numbers of new converts this past Easter — and Aleteia wishes a warm and loving welcome to all our new brothers and sisters in Christ!
If you’re one of these new converts — or if you’ve been Catholic for a while, but want to grow in your faith — a great place to start is with learning about the Holy Mass.
The Mass is so incredible, each word and moment packed with profound and eternal meeting. The more you learn about it, the more you will be amazed at the gift God has given us.
If you’re ready to learn more, check out these 5 helpful resources to better understand the Mass — plus one “bonus” resource for the kids in your life!
1Catholic Mass 101 with Fr. Mike Schmitz
If you've ever been distracted or confused at Sunday Mass, this super helpful video is for you. Over the course of an entire staged Mass, Fr. Mike breaks down what is going on at each moment, step by step.
He shares not only what is happening, but why it's happening — and how you, as a Catholic in the pew, can respond.
You can watch the 40-minute video (free!) on YouTube or the Ascension website.
More interested in reading than watching? Check out these 3 great books:
2The Pocket Guide to the Mass by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri
The Pocket Guide to the Mass is a deep dive into the theology, structure, and Biblical roots of the Mass, helping you enter more fully into what’s happening.
Co-authors Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Sri guide readers to see the Liturgy not as a routine ritual, but as a profound encounter with Christ.
3The Lamb's Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth by Dr. Scott Hahn
The Mass is so familiar to Catholics that at times we might not even think about what we’re doing there. In this enjoyably readable and engaging book, bestselling author Scott Hahn unveils the mysteries of the Mass, helping readers to appreciate it on a deeper level.
The Lamb's Supper will help readers see the Mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully than ever before.
4Loving The Holy Mass by Fr. Edward G. Maristany
This “short and sweet” little book will help you look forward to going to Mass as often as possible.
Fr. Maristany brings to light the content, meaning and purpose of the Holy Mass, offering a guide into the spirit of the Liturgy and a valuable aid to experiencing in full its beauty and consolation.
And for podcast fans, look forward to something great starting in May!
5The Mass in a Month Podcast Hosted by Dr. Sri — Launching May 1
If you like learning through listening, you’ll love The Mass in a Month, launching May 1. This 31-episode podcast is designed to walk listeners through every part of the Mass in bite-sized daily reflections.
Dr. Sri will share insights on the Mass every day of the month — from how to prepare for Sunday Mass, to the meaning of the Eucharist, with explanations of every part of the liturgy along the way.
Sign up here to receive the free Mass in a Month Scripture Prayer Guide and then join Dr. Sri on May 1 for Day 1, exclusively for free in the Ascension app.
This podcast is perfect for those who loved The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz), and The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR).
Bonus resource for kids
While it’s a little different from the others listed here, we would be remiss not to point you toward this wonderful book that teaches kids about the Mass — with LEGOs!
The Holy Mass: On Earth as it is in Heaven is a must-have for every Catholic kid. As a parent reading these to my children, I have learned so much about the Mass and salvation history from it. And don’t miss the rest of this great series.
